San Francisco County Biographies
T. G. GRUENHAGEN
Transcribed 12-29-04 Marilyn R. Pankey
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
Manager of the old established and well-known candy store,
"Gruenhagen's," No. 20 Kearny street, is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, born
in 1853. His father, J. M. Gruenhagen, came to California during the gold
excitement of 1849. After about three years spent in mining, he returned to
Wisconsin and brought his family to this coast, in 1854.
The above mentioned candy store was established at the present location, in
1864, by N. B. Booth & Co., starting in a small way and manufacturing for the
retail trade. In 1867 the business was purchased by George Haas and William
Gruenhagen (brother of our subject), who then made extensive alterations and
improvements and increased the business. In 1867 T. G. Gruenhagen, then but a
lad of fourteen years, went into the employ of the firm, learned the practical
workings of the business in every department, and in 1875 became the manager of
the establishment. In 1880 he purchased the interest of George Haas, and the
firm of Gruenhagen Brothers has since continued the business. They increased
the size of their establishment, the store room now being 15 x 45 feet, the
factory occupying the basement, 45 x 45 feet, with an additional room, 20 x 20
feet, for manufacturing purposes. They employ fourteen hands in the factory and
six clerks in the store. They have also added an ice-cream department, through
which they furnish ice cream for banquets, parties, etc., and do an extensive
business. In 1890 William Gruenhagen retired from the business and C. H.
Gruenhagen became a partner, this relation continuing at the present time.
Mr. Gruenhagen was united in marriage, in San Francisco, in 1878, to Miss
Anna L. Lauterwasser, a native of Philadelphia. He is a member of the Golden
Eagle Society and several beneficiary orders.
Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, page 679, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.